Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch

#3199: New Touch Sauce Yakisoba – Japan

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#3199: New Touch Sauce Yakisoba - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘If you want to enjoy festive food stalls of yakisoba, you can go to Asakusa or have Asakusa come to you! The fresh sizzling flavor of worcester sauce will whet your appetite and get your taste buds excited. The furikake seasoning contains nori seaweed and tempura pearls.’ ...see full post

#3195: Sapporo Ichiban Kurenai Spicy Miso Ramen – Japan

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#3195: Sapporo Ichiban Kurenai Spicy Miso Ramen - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘This mixes two kinds of miso – red miso and white miso – to make the soup savory. It also uses 2 typed of noodles which have different widths to reproduce the texture of chopped noodles of the ramen shop, Kurenai. There, you can choose the spiciness; Miso, Kurenai or Onikurenai. Kurenai is the middle spice level, so if you are not satisfied with tits spiciness, you should visit Kurenai in Tokyo to try Onikurenai.’ ...see full post

#3193: Maruchan Seimen Curry Udon – Japan

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#3193: Maruchan Seimen Curry Udon - Japan

Here’s one from Japan Ramen Box – a subscription service out of Japan. Here’s what they have to say about this variety – ‘The curry udon version of Maruchan’s popular noodle series!
Enjoy the natural texture and raw flavors of noodles that have gone through the “raw noodle manufacturing method” to ensure they’re as tasty and delicious and possible! The curry is flavorful and has an added sweetness from onion and pork seasonings, and the smooth, rich noodles only help to bring it all together!’ ...see full post

#3192: A-Sha Gourmet Wagyu Beef Noodle Soup – Taiwan

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#3192 - A-Sha Gourmet Wagyu Beef Noodle Soup - Taiwan

I reviewed the red boxed version previously – and it blew my mind. This one has ultra fancy Australian Wagyu beef in the mix! Yeah! One thing you should note though, you’re going to pay for it. This is super premium stuff and goes for 499$NTD (that’s $15USD). On top of that, this is only out during the holiday season, so Lunar New Year. Maybe Mid Autumn Festival too? I’ll say one thing, if it’s that much better than the other version, it’s going to be existential. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2019 Edition

Th Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2019 Edition

Every year I come out with new lists in many categories. The more reviews I do, the more I figure the lists will change less and less. It amazes me though how much they do change and how much the industry evolves and changes. Here’s the latest list of bowls, current as on review #3180. All products are prepared according to labeling on the package, and scores are given before any external garnish is added. Let’s check out the Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls for 2019! ...see full post

#3187: Big Bon Spice Mix Piquant – Russia

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#3187: Big Bon Spice Mix Piquant - Russia

Well, there’s such a stigma these days about Russia here in the United States. Politics and world events aside though, there’s a thriving instant noodle industry there which fascinates me. I’d love to get the chance to do a Meet The Manufacturer with this company for example. I know they have tray varieties with real meat in retort pouches. This piques my curiosity in the extreme. ...see full post

#3184: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Pork Flavor – United States

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#3184: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Pork Flavor - United States

I thought hey I’ve got this other one – I should review it too. So here we are. It’s funny how there are two crowds; one that likes this brand and one that likes the other economy class instant here in the United States. They’ve both got their strengths, and the one with Maruchan I would say is the variety of flavors in their Ramen Noodle Soup range. There’s a ton of them – many of which are kind of hard to find. This is one I haven’t seen often. I think the first time I had this was back in early 2010 – yep that link is good old review #66. Looks like I re-reviewed it the next year. ...see full post

#3182: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Roast Beef Flavor – United States

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#3182: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Roast Beef Flavor - United States

I’ve reviewed this in the past, but this one has new packaging and so gets a new number. I dunno – could have a new recipe too. Many companies are making subtle below the radar changes on their domestic product lines including lowering sodium. It’s kind of funny; people complain about the amount of sodium in instant noodles, but when presented a lower sodium product that exclaims the feature, they’ll shy away with thoughts of blandness. It just goes to show people are kind of conflicted. Okay, not kind of. ...see full post

#3181: Nissin Yakisoba Instant Pancit Savory Beef Flavor – Philippines

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#3181: Nissin Yakisoba Instant Pancit Savory Beef Flavor - Philippines

This one was found up in Richmond, BC at the SuperStore. What’s funny about this one? Well, it shows chopsticks on the cup and has a fork inside. I’ve been given a ration of insults and criticism for using a fork. I really don’t understand why; I mean, here’s an Asian variety with a fork. I think it’s common for Westerners to immediately go to ‘Asian people use chopsticks and if you use them wrong you suck’ kind of thing. My logic is that if I’m in Asia, I’ll use a pair of chopsticks. In Thailamd they use a fork to push food onto a spoon and then eat it, so I did that while there. It really doesn’t matter what tool you decide to use, it’s about eating a meal, right? ...see full post

#3178: Acecook Kelp Broth Shio Ramen – Japan

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#3178: Acecook Kelp Broth Shio Ramen - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘This Daikichi series cup noodle is common in Hokkaido. Daikichi means “excellent luck” in Japanese. Why don’t you wish for some good luck in the new year by eating Daikichi cup noodle? Chicken based salty soup with kelp broth and other ingredients such as flower-shaped toasted gluten cakes and fluffy eggs will bring you luck!’ ...see full post

#3174: TIEasy Sesame Sauce Handmade Noodle – Taiwan

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#3174: TIEasy Sesame Sauce Handmade Noodle - Taiwan

I got an email asking if I’d like to try a new noodle and of course I said yes. Turns out the fellow who wants to distribute it is up in Vancouver, BC. So I emailed him while we were up there and we met up at Foodyworld in Richmond. He gave me this and another variety as well as a pack with different kinds of noodles that contain vegetable – like a purple yam noodle, pumpkin noodle, etc. This was really cool – we chatted for a few and two days later, I’m giving these noodles a try. Let’s check them out! By the way TIEasy is short for Take It Easy. ...see full post

#3173: Sapporo Ichiban Momosan Ramen Tonkotsu – United States

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#3173: Sapporo Ichiban Momosan Ramen Tonkotsu - United States

Here’s a new one from Sapporo Ichiban – a collaboration with Momosan Ramen & Sake restaurant, a venture by ‘Iron Chef’ Masaharu Morimoto. Curious if this is going to be good, but guessing it will be; Sanyo Foods doesn’t come out with a new variety too extremely often here in the United States. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3171: Doll Bowl Noodle Satay & Beef Flavour – Hong Kong

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#3171: Doll Bowl Noodle Satay & Beef Flavour - Hong Kong

Here’s one I found up in Canada at Aberdeen Centre in a shop that was rife with Hello Kitty plushies and exotic candies and snacks next to the food court – I want to say it was called something like Paint Box or Art Box. This one was a nice surprise as it’s been tough to find Doll Brand varieties other than their export pack versions around here. I reall would love to do a Meet The Manufacturer series with Doll, so if you’re listening, please contact me! Let’s check out this Beef & Satay variety from Hong Kong! ...see full post